Darkstone Code-Chapter 851 - 849: Looking herad

Some say that the Emperor of Gafura is the spiritual symbol of Gafura, just as the President of the Federation is a symbol of freedom—look, he’s the one we ordinary people voted for!

So in the simulation, once Bupen is under attack, the first thing is to ensure the President’s safety. He will be sent to the secure room to await confirmation of the level of attack Bupen faces, and then decide whether to resist or evacuate.

At that moment, the President had just taken a cup of takeout coffee from an intern, with more milk and sugar added, making the coffee not bitter at all and very tasty.

He raised the coffee cup, drinking one in the morning would keep his spirits up all day. Just as he was contemplating today’s tasks, the door was violently kicked open.

Then, before he could fully react, two special agents pressed his head, messing up his hair which he had spent over ten minutes styling, and sent him into the safe house.

The coffee even spilled on his shirt. Damn, it was the new shirt his wife had specially ironed for him this morning!

As expected, after the fact, he wanted to know what exactly happened that alerted the entire defense system of Bupen, so he came along.

About thirty minutes after the call, several police officers opened the road. Following were military vehicles and cars from the Security Committee and the Military Intelligence Bureau. In the middle was a luxurious bulletproof car with the President inside.

Outside the research facility, the Chief Engineer stood next to Lynch. He initially thought it would be a simple reception, like an exhibition.

Unexpectedly, so many people came!

He stepped quietly behind Lynch, knowing it was already too late to go back for hair gel. He spat into his palm and slicked back his hair till it was shiny.

After a moment of silence, the two researchers next to him followed suit.

Lynch took a step forward, distancing himself slightly from them, surely not to disdain them, but to better welcome the President.

The Security Committee was the first to step out, entering the research facility to inspect, followed by the military personnel.

However, the military personnel weren’t as...foolish as the Security Committee. They directly found Austin and asked casually, then confirmed the safety of the place.

Lynch knew Austin was planted by the military to be by his side, but he didn’t mind.

When he wasn’t qualified enough to resist the Federation Government and the Federation Military, such evident placements not only didn’t infringe on his rights but offered protection.

He wasn’t someone with an unshakable belief in Federation principles, with a mindset that freedom was above all. For him, completing his plan mattered more than the process.

After confirming safety, the President got out of the car.

Lynch and the researchers went up to greet him.

"We meet again!", the President didn’t actually want to speak with Lynch and could only chat meaninglessly.

Lynch, on the other hand, was enthusiastic, "Your tie is beautiful, Mr. President. Whoever chose it has an artistic touch."

A subtly flattering remark, the President raised an eyebrow, glancing at Truman without being noticed.

He smiled a bit more, "My wife chose it for my sixtieth birthday. You think it’s beautiful?"

"It suits you perfectly, Mr. President!"

The President shook hands with Lynch, who then introduced him to the others present.

Apart from the President, there were some experts from the Ministry of Defense, who were actually the core of this "surprise visit."

After everyone introduced themselves to each other, they entered the research facility together, with Lynch leading, introducing the place’s facilities to the President.

While introducing, the President frowned and discreetly smelled his palm, picking up a mysterious odor.

He casually rubbed a handkerchief inside his palm, while the Ministry of Defense experts were more straightforward.

The questioning never stopped, and the inquiries were strange.

For example:

"Could this odor be a new chemical compound...," guessed by a chemistry expert.

"A bit sticky but dries quickly, its main component should be highly volatile water!" surmised a physicist.

After showing the President around, they arrived at the edge of the runway.

No matter how well something is described, nothing beats a plane taking off, circling the skies, and landing smoothly.

"Keep an eye on those Defense Ministry experts, treat them like thieves!", Lynch instructed the Chief Engineer, who was unsure seeing the stern-faced experts.

To his eyes, Ministry of Defense scientists were the finest in the Federation, and there wasn’t anything around worth hiding.

Lynch glared at him once more, "Don’t make me repeat myself..."

The Chief Engineer reluctantly pulled two civilian scientists to mingle with the defense experts, enthusiastically discussing professional topics.

Meanwhile, the aircraft inspection was completed; the pilot was essentially a researcher, a former civilian scientist.

Civilian scientists played an immeasurable role in the development of the aircraft, including test flights.

Where trained researchers dared not fly, civilian scientists volunteered eagerly, even competing for the chance.

Every scientific advance comes at great cost, yet it is through these sacrifices that capitalists profit.

Another civilian scientist, holding the joystick for engine startup, quickly stepped aside as the aircraft smoothly took off under everyone’s watchful eyes.

People’s gazes fixed on it, from the dawn of civilization, the conquest of the sky was engraved in human ambition.

Those on the ground, unable to really fly, fantasized about the freedom of soaring above.

"You call this a plane?" The President seemed a bit regretful. He believed he should name it, but Lynch had already done so.

In polite circles, Lynch should ask if the President had a better name in mind.

Then the President, not yielding, would suggest a name he found suitable, leading to applause—officially branding the aircraft.

Forever, people mentioning this aircraft type would recall him, establishing an indelible legacy.

Unfortunately, Lynch didn’t follow the script this time, "Yes, Mr. President, it’s called a plane." 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

The President grimaced lightly, "You don’t think it sounds a bit awkward?"

"Not at all!"

Other issues could be conceded, but not the aircraft.

It was imperative to imprint his brand on this industry, impacting not just aircraft sales but broader influence.

Whether future military or civilian aircraft, Lynch’s name would come to mind whenever people boarded, enhancing his reputation and reach.

This influence might spread within the military, such as when Lynch may propose forming an air force—a dual "endorsement"!

The President abandoned the topic, watching the airplane in the sky. High-ranking officers from the Ministry of Defense also gathered, "I heard earlier that your design allows for attacks?"

Lynch nodded firmly, "Certainly, it can load four grenades with specialized auxiliary launch equipment, enabling a solo pilot to perform the task."

"Without the grenades, it can carry an additional lightweight adult, one machine gun, and a moderate amount of ammunition."

Military personnel, including a major general, gathered, "Using a machine gun at such height and speed won’t be effective against ground targets, will it?"

Lynch shook his head, "Of course not; the machine gun is not for ground targets but aerial ones."

Everyone, whether speaking or not, turned to Lynch after hearing this, attentively listening as he continued, "Future warfare will be three-dimensional—ground, sea, and air!"

"It’s an inevitable development in modern warfare scenarios. Just like now, it can fly a hundred miles behind the front lines, drop four grenades to bomb critical installations, then refuel for another run."

"The enemy will also have such aircraft and tactics in the future. We may not only need to bomb important enemy installations but also protect our skies!"

"Some planes for attacking the enemy, some for defending ourselves; aerial dogfights with machine guns are quite suitable for this."

Everyone listened intently, some unfamiliar with Lynch’s background even questioning peers about his military education, as his strategic vision exceeded the era!

The President’s expression grew solemn as though he disliked war, the inevitability of its return was understood.

Imagining large enemy fleets dropping bombs over Bupen terrified him.

In such events, even hiding in a safe room might not ensure survival, right?

The major general was discussing Lynch’s view on warfare, noting it’s not just future warfare but near-future, if not tomorrow.

Look, the airplane is already soaring in the sky; its brilliance awaits unparalleled glory in wartime!